There has to be a better way. They deserve more. What if I don’t know what to say?

I hear you.

This isn’t what I signed up for. This just doesn’t make sense. Perhaps I can do a little more.

I hear you.

This is hard. I am afraid to fail my kids. I just have to let down my guard.

I hear you.

Are they okay? Do they know that I love them? Will I get to see them again someday?

I hear you.

If I have learned anything in this pandemic, it is that we are not meant to do this alone. We did not choose to teach through a screen, in our separate houses, overwhelmed by the unknown. Yet, here we are, setting the bar, and jumping over it again and again. This is what we do as educators. We are constantly evaluating the situation in front of us, making a plan (or 2, or 7) and jumping in with two feet. I’m watching educators do incredible things, using their many talents to connect with children, make them smile, and engage their minds. I’m watching teachers stretch themselves to new lengths to accomplish tasks we couldn’t have imagined 3 short months ago.

…and behind the smile on the screen, I’m watching teachers slowly fall apart. I want you to know that you’re doing an incredible job. I want you to know that you are seen, that you are enough. That it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and not know what to do next. I want you to know that your worth is not defined by how many kids log into zoom…your worth is not defined by how many videos you have posted or how many letters you have sent. Your worth is in your heart, where you yearn to authentically connect with these kids. Authenticity is a hard thing to manage through a screen, facades are easy to put up…so tuck your worth safely in your heart until you can hug these kids again. For now…well…for now we’ll do what we’ve always done, the very best we can with what we have in the moment.

Taking care of yourself is critical in this time. You need to have your own oxygen mask on before you can put one on anyone else. I know as educators, we aren’t so good at that, but it’s true. Here are some resources that can help with self care.